In this article, discover Puy-de-Dôme in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region through the adventures of Marlène and her dog! Discover their dog-friendly tips.

 

Sandaya 54 high-end and dog-friendly campsites

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Today the Wouafer's, we find our Auvergne Dog-Reporters, Marlène and Louna, who left at the beginning of June to cross the Puy-de-Dôme! They decided to share their beautiful dog-friendly adventure with us and explain everything to us! I leave the floor to you Marlène, tell us everything!

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Visit Puy-de-Dôme with a dog

Hello Wouafer's! 

Today, with Louna, we're giving you a little throwback to our early June adventure. Indeed, we took our backpacks and undertook the crossing of the Puy-de-Dôme. Living in Auvergne, we are getting to know our department, Puy-de-Dôme, well! So we wanted to introduce it to 2 friends and also to immerse ourselves for a few days in our Auvergne which is so dear to us! 

Puy de Dôme with his dog

Find QUALIDOG-certified accommodation with your dog

Do you also want to discover Puy-de-Dôme like Marlène and Louna? Are you looking for QUALIDOG-certified accommodation for a crazy vacation with your dog? Discover a selection of QUALIDOG-certified accommodation! 

Villa and apartments Bois Joli
Labeled Qualidog

Villa and apartments Bois Joli

Number of dogs: 1 dog max
Dog size: less than 10 kilos accepted
Qualidog labeled: 1 scams
Aquadis Loisirs – Camping de Tauves ***
Labeled Qualidog

Aquadis Loisirs – Camping de Tauves ***

(3 review)
Number of dogs: 3 dogs max
Dog size: all dogs
Qualidog labeled: 2 truffles
The Little Sheepfold of Saint Nectaire
Labeled Qualidog

The Little Sheepfold of Saint Nectaire

Number of dogs: more than 3 dogs
Dog size: all dogs
Qualidog labeled: 3 truffles

Itinerary for crossing the Puy-de-Dôme with your dog

The original route is based on crossing the Massif Central from the volcanoes of Auvergne to the Cévennes. We just made the first portion. We left Vulcania to reach the Besse-en-Chandesse base. This part is estimated for 5 days with a cumulative elevation gain of 3 m and about 231 km. For meteorological reasons (announcement of thunderstorms), we had to shorten the route and we did not do the stage up to Chareire and the one going to Besse-en-Chandesse. 

Holidays in Le Puy-de-Dôme with your dog

Equipment for crossing the Puy-de-Dôme with your dog

In terms of equipment, my dog ​​had his little pack bag to carry your croquettes of the day and possibly if necessary two small vials of 250 ml. I had loaded my dog ​​lightly because he is not quite used to heavier loads yet. Do not hesitate to go see the article that advises on the bags and how to accustom the dog with this material, it helped me a lot! 

For my part, a big backpack with all the necessary bivouac since we sleep in a tent. For my dog, I therefore had a small fleece for the nights, a raincoat, a folding water bowl, his croquettes made in Auvergne with small worms, protein bars, treats and an emergency kit including a small vial of Synthol to massage it. Obviously enough water for my dog ​​and me. 

Musher and Sophie : “If you also want to camp then I advise you to read or reread this article: Camping with your dog ! Advice, tips, equipment, everything to leave serenely with your dog!”

boutique emmenetonchien.com - musher and sophie's favorites

Progress of crossing the Puy-de-Dôme with a dog

Bags loaded, here we go with 3 humans and a dog, in a good mood! We based ourselves on the GR4-441 and then the GR30. The first step was to reach the village of Laschamps via the famous volcano which is the Puy-de-Dôme. Louna finds her rhythm walking alongside us. My dog ​​was as soon as possible free. You should know that there are places where the dog must be attached because there are mountain pastures. Arrived at Laschamps and having a good pace, we decide to advance our journey a little to land near the corners of the Puy de la Vache. A quiet first night, savoring the freedom and happiness of being alone and being with my dog. 

Musher and Sophie : “Do you like hiking? It's perfect ! But be careful because going on a hike with your dog requires preparation! And to do this, I invite you to take a look at this article: Hiking with your dog cannot be improvised ! "

Second day, waking up gently, time for lunch, to fold up the tents, here we go again for a big stage since we are going to reach Lake Servières. We make a small detour via the Puys de la Vache and Lassolas and then via the Maison des Volcans to refill with water. The day is hot, I am very vigilant with the behavior of my dog ​​and I take care to hydrate it regularly. The landscapes pass and evolve as we go along. We finally arrive in the forest with a small river where Louna does not need to be asked to take a dip! 

Musher and Sophie “It is important to take care of your dog during hot weather! And even more on a hike! So to help you overcome this risk, here is an article for Protect your dog from heatstroke ! "

The Servières lake is making its appearance and we are very happy about it! My dog ​​takes the opportunity to decompress and roll around in the beautiful green grass. Small snack improved since joined by my brother and here is the time to find a sleep sport! Indeed, it is forbidden to bivouac near the lake. We set up our tents further and admire the magnificent starry sky for a few moments before falling asleep. 

Wake up in peace, breakfast by the lake and here we go again for our 3rd day, heading to Mont Dore with my dog! A lunch break at noon near the lake of Guéry, beautiful landscapes and we finally see our objective: the Sancy! My dog ​​always keeps pace and seems to have forgotten that he is wearing a backpack! A short break is essential at the edge of a river near Mont Dore in order to cool off and a stop in the city to refill water, delicacies for the aperitif and a box of mash for Louna! This will surely be our last night. Indeed, they announce thunderstorms in the days to come and decide that tomorrow we will go to the summit of Puy de Sancy. Then, we will descend by the tracks to arrive at the station of Super Besse. Here we go again to find a spot to put up the tents in the direction of the Capucin lounge. Setting up camp, chatting with my dog, rolling in the grass and we each have our aperitif! Louna devours her well-deserved mash and everyone goes to bed without being asked! 

Last day, with my dog ​​we wake up earlier, savor the calm of nature for a few moments then we wake up our traveling companions in order to leave not too late. The weather is cloudy and we see during our ascent the weather getting worse! The showers arriving, we hurry to protect ourselves including my dog. The ascent to the summit of Sancy is done at the rate of several showers and in the company of the wind. My dog ​​stays close to me, I encourage him! The landscape is discreet, the clouds hide the ridges. Fortunately with Louna, we know the landscape and are not too frustrated not to be able to see much.
We pass two small steep roads where I have to let go of Louna so that she can climb alone and that we don't get in each other's way because of her leash. The steps follow one another, the summit is getting closer and the reward is there. Up there at 1 m altitude, more wind, more rain and beautiful atmospheres in front of us. The emotion is there, I'm proud of us, to have accomplished this adventure together under the encouragement of our fellow travelers. I feel that Louna is tired but she was great, listening. The adventure comes to an end when we arrive at the station, all soaked. Louna is finally the least wet because she was well protected by her raincoat. A small restaurant to celebrate this great adventure and don't worry, Louna also had a great reward!

I am extremely proud of us! We have outdone ourselves! Throughout the journey, Louna walked at our pace. I was very vigilant at the slightest suspicious movement and she had the right every evening to a little massage of the limbs to avoid aches. This adventure has once again strengthened our bond and I was happy to see her frolicking in our Auvergne that we love so much.

Going on vacation in Puy-de-Dôme with your dog

Some information for doing the Puy-de-Dôme with your dog

At the level of the route, the dog is authorized on the whole course. We have during this journey, crossed nature reserves including that of Chastreix. If in normal times, the dog is not authorized there, on the GR30, it is accepted provided that it is attached. You have to be vigilant because there are passages in mountain pastures with the presence of cows or sheep. For everyone's safety, the dog must stay close to its master. Indeed, there are more and more accidents because people do not respect these instructions or even, sometimes, enter the fields. In some corners, the layouts are reviewed and sometimes even are now forbidden to our hairy friends. If we want to continue to enjoy the beautiful landscapes, to have access to beautiful hikes with our dogs, it is important to raise awareness around us and to lead by example.

We regularly found water points, both for humans and dogs. The presence of the lakes is appreciable for our hairy but beware, at Lake Servières it is forbidden to bathe there due to environmental protection. Also be careful on the part of the Sancy massif because for once, there is no water point. When we were there, the restaurant at the top was closed. So you have to anticipate that.

Musher and Sophie : “If you want to go to a restaurant with your dog, there are a few things to know! So to help you, here is an essential article: Go to a restaurant with your dog ! "

This adventure gave us the desire to experience others and, why not, to continue this journey of crossing the Massif Central. I hope you enjoyed my adventure and do not hesitate to contact us on Insta @lesbaroudeusesauvergnates if you have questions ! With Louna, we will be happy to answer you! 🙂 

Thank you Marlène and Louna for this great adventure that you shared with us! I'm sure many Wouafer's will be inspired by your crossing!